Overview
The 200 Hour CASA approved CPL (Aeroplane) Training Course is an integrated course of both theory and practical aviation training. Students must complete the training requirements, have a minimum of 200 hours total flight time before the test, which must include at least 100 hours flight time as Pilot In Command, 20 hours of cross country as Pilot In Command and 10 hours of instrument flight time. Students must pass all seven of the CASA written theory examinations, be recommended for the test by the HOO (Head of Operations) and pass the Commercial Pilot Licence flight test.
Flying Experience Already
32 Hour Non-Integrated
The 32 Hour CPL (Aeroplane) Qualification is where a candidate has gained flying experience by means other than a student on an approved 150 hour or 200 hour CPLA course with a minimum 200 hours total flight time at the time of the test.
Students must meet and hold the following minimum aeronautical experience requirements: including 100 hours flight time as Pilot In Command, 20 hours cross country as pilot in command and 10 hours of instrument flight time in a registered or recognised aeroplane, 5 of which may be in an approved flight simulation device. Students must pass all the theory examinations, be assessed as having achieved the required standard and be recommended by the HOO (Head of Operations) and pass the Commercial Pilot Licence flight test.
The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) has three main components:
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Course – see PPL section
- CPL Flight Training and Experience
- CPL Theory Examinations
Flight Training and Experience Requirements and Aeronautical experience requirements for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence for a student undertaking a non integrated course are detailed in Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 5.111. The requirements are as follows: 200 hours total flight time, which includes:
- 100 hours total as pilot-in-command (PIC)
- 20 hours cross-country PIC
- 10 hours instrument flight (5 hours may be in an approved flight simulation device)
The Private Pilot Licence component of this course will contribute approximately 60 hours total time, 10 hours PIC, 5 hours cross-country PIC and 2 hours of instrument time towards your CPL requirements. In addition to flying training for the Private Pilot Licence additional training is undertaken to ensure operations meet or exceed the commercial standard specified in the Day VFR Syllabus. This syllabus incorporates the Manual of Standards for Commercial Pilots. During commercial flying training will have you demonstrate:
- High standards of knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge
- Accurate and expeditious flight planning
- Safe and accurate operation of the aircraft
- Operational decision making
- Sound navigation techniques – visual and navaid based, diversions
- Operation in both complex airspace and to/from remote aerodromes
The skills and experience gained during your training and command building time will put you in a good position to provide your services to an employer as a professional pilot. In order to gain the required 70 hours of PIC time you can explore the countryside with friends and family. Many students will offer acquaintances flights on a cost-sharing basis, meaning you can legally split the costs equally between you and passengers – saving you up to 75% on your flying hours in a 4 seat aircraft. In addition to the in-flight experience requirements you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age to be issued a CPL
- Pass a Class 1 medical examination – refer to the CASA web site
The Cost of Learning to Fly
The most asked question is: “how much does it cost to learn to fly” but there is no easy answer. There is nothing to pay up-front; learning to fly is charged on an hourly rate. See our rate sheet tab.
It’s hard to say what your cost will be as everyone takes different amounts of time to learn. A good rule of thumb is that if you can spare half a day every other week for a year to fly an hour or two, you’ll have your recreational pilots certificate with cross-country endorsement within a year, in anywhere from 40 to 60 flying hours. You do the math!
It’s also important to consider that if your lessons are closer together, you will progress quicker. Some people have been known to dedicate their time and finish in a month!
